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- Summary: 'Underachievers' is the first U.S. release for the Glasgow, Scotland-based band, who mine some of the same musical territory as fellow Scots Belle & Sebastian (as well as drawing more than a few Nick Drake comparisons).
- Record Label: Merge
- Genre(s): Indie, Rock
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 10 out of 14
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Mixed: 4 out of 14
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Negative: 0 out of 14
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To completely dismiss Camera Obscura for their willingness to partake in this musical grand theft or K-Tel like attitude toward repackaging former eras of music would be unfair; free of the burden of meliorating an individual sound, they’ve been able to craft a consistently enjoyable collection of pop songs that inhabit the passion and style of the music they so clearly love.
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A shimmering example of wistful chamber folk-pop.
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UncutRevitalising indie-pop. [Feb 2004, p.78]
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What separates them from their peers is a refreshing feminine perspective that draws from '60s girl groups and the conflicted teenage angst of Leslie Gore.
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If you're a fan of Belle and Sebastian, Under Achievers Please Try Harder makes a perfect counterpart to, say, Tigermilk, and you'd be hard-pressed not to enjoy yourself amidst its indie-pop finger-snapping and Isobel Campbell-like vocals.
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They are unprepossessing in style, dainty and sweet in quality.
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If Camera Obscura weren't roughly the thousandth band to recombine the pastoral sounds and adolescent exploitation of the '60s, it would be easier to work up some enthusiasm for Underachievers, especially since the group's melodies are catchy enough that they don't need the cutesy trappings.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 7
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Mixed: 1 out of 7
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Negative: 1 out of 7
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shygazerEJul 20, 2006
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[Anonymous]Feb 7, 2004This is jaust a wonderful album. Full of dreamy pop. Kindergarten-friends of Belle & Sebastian. Pure Love!!!
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pedalphiliaFeb 1, 2004pure pop genius, fools.
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TimEJan 13, 2005
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zeebeeMay 11, 2005
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selenitaFeb 16, 2004Really looks like Belle & Sebastian 100%
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JeffAJan 27, 2004
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